Comparison of full-thickness skin graft and punch grafting in the reconstruction of plantar defects

Sang Gyun Lee, Kyoung Ae Nam, Byung Ho Oh, Kee Yang Chung, Mi Ryung Roh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Acral melanoma commonly occurs on weight-bearing areas of the sole. Reconstruction of such areas presents a surgical challenge due to limited availability and mobility of local skin. Thus, we aimed to compare the scar outcome of full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) and punch grafting in the reconstruction of plantar defects after melanoma surgery. We retrospectively reviewed six patients who underwent both FTSG for nonweight-bearing areas and punch grafting for weight-bearing areas. We compared results of FTSG and punch grafting within the same patient. Photos of completely healed scars were graded using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES). The averages of the FTSG scores and the punch graft scores, as measured by the SBSES, were statistically compared. Punch grafting yielded a better outcome than FTSG, according to the SBSES. The average of the punch grafting scars was 4.67, which was significantly greater (p = 0.004) than that of FTSG scar scores at 1.83. For weight-bearing areas, punch grafting should be considered as the first option of reconstruction, with FTSG as a second option for nonweight-bearing areas. Overall, this combined approach provides an effective and safe method for reconstruction of extensive plantar wounds.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)76-80
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Dermatology
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024 Jan

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Japanese Dermatological Association.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Dermatology

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